Las Vegas is a city synonymous with world-class entertainment, but during the holidays, it transforms into something even more enchanting. At the heart of this season's celebrations is A Very Vegas Christmas, a spectacular production featuring some of the city's brightest stars. Ahead of the performance, QVegas caught up with conductor George Daugherty and vocalists Michelle Johnson and Clint Holmes. The show, featuring nine performers along with the Las Vegas Philharmonic (and a few other surprises) create a holiday event that promises to be unforgettable—a blend of musical brilliance, heartfelt storytelling, and community spirit.
A Shared Vision: George Daugherty's Extravaganza
George Daugherty, the creator and conductor of A Very Vegas Christmas, has been dreaming of this show for years. “We wanted this to be a true extravaganza,” Daugherty explains, his enthusiasm palpable. “Las Vegas is filled with extraordinary talent, and this concert is our chance to celebrate that while creating a magical holiday experience.”
As the visionary behind the event, Daugherty’s passion for the season is evident. From classic Christmas tunes to innovative reinterpretations, the show is designed to evoke nostalgia while offering something fresh. “This concert is about touching hearts and rekindling memories,” he says. “We’ve chosen music that people hold dear, but we’re also putting a unique Las Vegas spin on it.”
That unique spin includes everything from a reimagined Nutcracker performance to orchestral arrangements from iconic albums like The Glorious Sounds of Christmas. Add in animation from A Charlie Brown Christmas and performances by legendary Las Vegas showgirls, and you have a production that truly lives up to the term “extravaganza.”
Michelle Johnson: Jazz Meets the Holidays
Michelle Johnson, affectionately dubbed “Las Vegas’ First Lady of Jazz” by her fans, brings her signature style to the production. Known for her soulful voice and love of jazz legends like Ella Fitzgerald and Billie Holiday, Johnson sees the holidays as the perfect time to connect with audiences on a deeper level.
“Jazz and Christmas music actually blend beautifully,” Johnson shares. “This concert lets me take classic holiday songs and add a jazzy twist to them. For example, I’m performing an Ella Fitzgerald arrangement of ‘What Are You Doing New Year’s Eve?’ It’s a holiday song that’s timeless, romantic, and deeply personal.”
Johnson is also excited about a duet she’ll perform with fellow jazz singer Naomi Mauro. “We’re adding a little something special to a Christmas classic,” she teases. “It’s moments like these—collaborating with other incredible artists—that make this concert so special.”
For Johnson, performing with the Las Vegas Philharmonic is a dream come true. “Any singer who’s worth their salt dreams of singing with an orchestra,” she says. “It’s elegant, it’s glamorous, and it elevates you to your highest level as a performer.”
Clint Holmes: A Voice That Defines the Season
Few performers embody Las Vegas like Clint Holmes. A legendary vocalist known for his charisma and emotional depth, Holmes brings a personal connection to his performance in A Very Vegas Christmas. The song he’ll be singing, “The Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire),” holds a special place in his heart.
“It’s the first Christmas song my dad introduced me to, sung by Nat King Cole,” Holmes recalls. “I’ve performed it many times over the years, but never with an orchestra. That’s going to be a real treat.”
Holmes’ participation in the show is a testament to the tight-knit community of Las Vegas performers. Despite having his own holiday concert the same evening, he’s making time to cross the alley from Myron’s Cabaret to Reynolds Hall to share the stage with his peers. “It’s a challenge, but it’s worth it,” Holmes says. “Being part of this production, surrounded by friends and incredible talent, is something I wouldn’t miss.”
A Celebration of Community
One of the defining features of A Very Vegas Christmas is its emphasis on the Las Vegas arts community. Daugherty, Johnson, and Holmes are joined by a stellar lineup of local talent, including Naomi Mauro, Jonathan Karrant, and the legendary showgirls who shaped the city’s entertainment history. Each performance highlights the incredible diversity and camaraderie of Las Vegas’ artistic scene.
“This city is full of world-class artists who genuinely support each other,” Daugherty notes. “Michelle sang at Clint’s last concert, Naomi performed at Michelle’s, and Jonathan has worked with both of them. It’s a community of mutual respect and admiration, and you can feel that energy on stage.”
Johnson agrees, adding, “Las Vegas has so much more to offer than people realize. This concert is a chance for locals and visitors alike to see the depth of talent we have here. It’s a celebration of everything that makes our city special.”
The Magic of Reynolds Hall
Reynolds Hall at The Smith Center serves as the perfect backdrop for this holiday spectacular. Known for its stunning architecture and impeccable acoustics, the venue elevates every performance. “Reynolds is heaven for a performer,” Johnson says. “The sound, the atmosphere—it’s just magical.”
For Daugherty, the hall adds an extra layer of elegance to the production. “There’s something about performing in a space like Reynolds that makes everything feel elevated,” he says. “When you combine that with the Las Vegas Philharmonic, it’s pure magic.”
Behind the Scenes: The Creative Process
Pulling off a production of this scale is no small feat. The team spent months planning every detail, from selecting the repertoire to coordinating schedules for the star-studded cast. “We actually don’t rehearse with the Philharmonic until the week of the concert,” Johnson reveals. “Before that, it’s a lot of individual practice and back-and-forth emails about arrangements and logistics.”
Holmes echoes the sentiment, noting that the tight timeline adds an element of excitement. “It keeps you on your toes,” he says. “You have to be prepared to bring your A-game.”
Daugherty credits the dedication of the performers and the Philharmonic for making the process seamless. “Everyone involved is at the top of their game,” he says. “It’s a privilege to work with such talented professionals who are as passionate about this project as I am.”
More Than Just a Concert
While A Very Vegas Christmas is undoubtedly a musical feast, it’s also a deeply emotional experience. Each performer brings their own personal connection to the season, creating moments that resonate with audiences on a profound level.
For Johnson, it’s about finding joy and connection. “The holidays can be hectic, especially for artists,” she says. “This year, I’ve made a point to slow down and focus on what really matters—calling friends and loved ones—and Netflix and chill in my downtime.”
Holmes, too, sees the concert as an opportunity to spread love and gratitude. “Christmas is a time to reflect on what’s truly important,” he says. “Through music, we can remind people of the beauty and joy that comes with the season.”
Daugherty sums it up best: “This concert is about bringing people together—whether it’s through music, memories, or the shared experience of sitting in a beautiful hall and feeling the magic of the holidays. That’s what Christmas is all about.”
A Show for Everyone
From jazz enthusiasts to fans of classic holiday tunes, A Very Vegas Christmas offers something for everyone.
The show also includes unique elements like a reimagined Nutcracker performance and appearances by iconic Las Vegas showgirls, including 98-year-old Anna Bailey, who broke racial barriers as the city’s first African American showgirl.
“There’s truly something for everyone,” Daugherty says. “If you don’t leave this concert feeling the holiday spirit, I’m not sure you like Christmas very much.”
Three Words to Define the Show
When asked to describe the show in three words, the stars offer heartfelt responses.
“Joy, family, renewal,” says Johnson.
“Gratitude, love, anticipation,” adds Daugherty.
Holmes sums it up simply: “A holiday treat.”
Don’t Miss It
A Very Vegas Christmas is more than just a concert—it’s a celebration of community, artistry, and the magic of the season. Whether you’re a local looking to support Las Vegas talent or a visitor seeking an unforgettable holiday experience, this is one event you won’t want to miss.
Performances take place at Reynolds Hall, and tickets are available through The Smith Center’s website. Gather your loved ones, and make this holiday season truly special with a night of music, joy, and Vegas magic.
Tickets for matinee and evening performances available at lvphil.org.